KUMJ | VOL. 23 | NO. 2 | ISSUE 90 | APRIL - JUNE, 2025

Knowledge and Attitude of Undergraduate Students on Use of Topical Corticosteroids in a Medical School in Nepal: A cross-sectional study
Shrestha U, Shakya Shrestha S, Shrestha Manandhar JT, Shrestha R

Abstract:
Background Topical corticosteroids are widely used for their anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. However, proper knowledge of health professionals is key to appropriate and rational use of such topical corticosteroids to minimize multitude of their adverse effects. Objective To study knowledge and attitude of medical students regarding use of topical corticosteroid use. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2024 - November 2024, among the undergraduate students of Kathmandu University, School of Medical Sciences. A total of 387 students were included in the study. The students were surveyed using a structured questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Science version 21. Result Among 387 participants 217 (44.2%) were male and 171 (55.8%) were female. The mean (± SD) age of the patients was 21.73 years (± 2.06). The highest number of participants - 258 (66.7%) - were aware about atopic dermatitis as the most common indication of topical corticosteroids. Majority of the participants - 350 (90.4%) agreed that topical corticosteroids can cause cutaneous adverse effects. Similarly most of the participants 324 (83.7%) agreed that topical corticosteroids can produce systemic adverse effects as well. Likewise, most of the participants, 287 (74.2%), were aware of the fact that treatment with topical corticosteroids should not be stopped abruptly or without medical guidance. Conclusion Majority of the students had reasonable knowledge and attitude towards the use of Topical corticosteroids. However more than half were unaware of some topical adverse effects of Topical corticosteroids. Adequate educational training should be provided to future doctors regarding proper prescribing and usage of topical corticosteroids.
Keyword : Adverse effects, Attitude, Knowledge, Medical students, Topical corticosteroids